Arts foundation requests submissions

Foundation announces inaugural grant guidelinesThe Native Arts & Cultures Foundation recently announced a call for submissions for its first round of grants to support the creative work of indigenous people in the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Funding will be awarded to individuals, programs and organizations.

A total of $300,000 is available for distribution in amounts of up to $20,000 for individuals and programs. Applications and eligibility rules are available at www.nativeartsandcultures.org/programs.

“The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation celebrates the role of artists as culture bearers and critical thinkers,” said Reuben Roqueñi, NACF program director. “The creative process makes a profound contribution to intellectual inquiry and to the strengthening of communities.”And:Earlier this spring, the foundation announced several new additions to its boards. Actor Adam Beach (Salteaux Tribe), known for his work in films such as “Flags of Our Fathers” and television shows such as “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” joined the NACF board of advisors, alongside singer Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree). Keller George (Oneida Nation), well-known in Indian country for his work with the National Congress of the American Indians and the National Museum of the American Indian, joined the NACF board of directors.

NACF is supported in part by gifts from the Ford Foundation, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.Comment:  Sounds like Indian gaming is a major force behind this foundation. Which is good. As I've said many times, gaming is helping tribes in innumerable ways. Not only by funding necessary social services, but by contributing to projects such as NACF.

But $300,000 is akin to a drop in the bucket. I'd like to see gaming tribes put much more into artistic and cultural projects. When the amount hits $30 or $300 million, then we'll have something to talk about.

For more on the subject, see Casinos Fund Cultural Projects and Casinos Promote Culture.

Below:  How San Manuel pays for all its charitable investments.